San Antonio Firefighters Union Opposes Proposition C in Upcoming November Election

San Antonio Firefighters Union Challenges November Ballot Measure

San Antonio residents are gearing up for a crucial vote this November. One of the key items on the ballot is Proposition C, which proposes to amend the city charter regarding the city manager’s term limits and salary. This has sparked a firm response from the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association (SAPFFA), who are advocating against the measure.

Understanding Proposition C

Proposition C asks voters whether they want to give the City Council the authority to determine the full terms of the city manager’s employment, including their tenure and salary. To put it simply, this proposition would allow the council to set the rules, rather than having fixed limits as per previous agreements. It’s an important decision that residents will face when they cast their votes on Election Day, which is scheduled for November 5.

The Firefighters’ Standpoint

The firefighters’ union is voicing strong opposition to this proposed change. Joe Jones, the president of SAPFFA, has stated they believe the measure undermines important accountability standards that they’ve fought hard to establish. “In 2018, SAPFFA led a successful campaign to implement term limits and salary caps for the city manager’s position,” Jones explained. He emphasized that these measures were designed to ensure a sense of accountability and fairness in the way the city operates.

A Look Back at 2018

To understand why the firefighters are adamant about their stance, we need to look back at 2018. That year, Bexar County voters approved a proposition that capped the city manager’s term at eight years and fixed their salary at no more than ten times the compensation of the lowest full-time city employee. This change gathered momentum from a strong grassroots campaign that saw over 100,000 signatures supporting the initiative. The city manager’s salary at that time was notably reduced, with current city manager Erik Walsh earning $324,480 in Fiscal Year 2022, which is significantly less than his predecessor Sheryl Sculley, who made $475,000.

Why is Proposition C Important?

Proposition C is not just about salaries; it’s about leadership and governance in San Antonio. “Our stance on Proposition C is a matter of principle, aimed at fostering a more equitable and progressive city administration,” Jones said, underscoring the union’s commitment to a governance model that encourages diversity of thought and leadership.

What Do Recent Polls Say?

A recent poll conducted by UTSA reveals that the proposition may not have much support among voters. Approximately 70% of respondents expressed they are against the proposed changes, while only 17% were in favor. This suggests that many in the city are aligned with the firefighters’ union in opting for established limits over flexibility in city management.

More on the Ballot

Aside from Proposition C, voters will also weigh in on other propositions related to ethics protocols, the ability of city employees to participate in political activities, and changing term durations for elected city leaders. Another significant issue is Proposition E, which aims to increase pay for city council members, including the mayor. These measures are part of a package developed by the Charter Review Commission after months of discussions, which the City Council approved in August.

Looking Ahead

As Election Day approaches, the conversation around Proposition C and its broader implications on San Antonio governance continues to evolve. Residents will have their chance to voice their opinions and make a choice that reflects their vision for the city’s future. The upcoming vote not only impacts city management but also sets the stage for how San Antonio will be led in the years to come.